GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Rapid's Silver Line stations have been spotted across the metropolitan area for months and they'll finally be put to use on Monday, Aug. 25.

Michigan's first bus rapid transit service is supported by 34 individual stations along a 9.6-mile route starting from Central Station along Grandville Avenue SW, winding through the inner city, and ending at Division Avenue and 60th Street.

The route connects the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and its restaurants, medical schools and hospitals to stops along its southern suburbs. One unique feature from the Rapid's bus routes is that Silver Line drivers won't take fares because passengers will have to buy tickets before at kiosks that resemble ATMs.

Officials expect that will help speed movement around the city on the route that is touted to cut a typical 45-minute drive into a 27-minute commute.

Here are several features of the new stations:

Fare kiosks to purchase rides on the Silver Line system, starting at $1.50 per trip, which is the minimum price charged across The Rapid's traditional routes

Real-time bus arrival displays; buses are connected with GPS systems to determine where the fleet is at all times

Multiple surveillance cameras

Emergency phones

Level boarding between the bus and the station for handicap accessibility